Simple Kinetics and Chain Design

This three-hour virtual class will focus on simple and effective ways to make unique chains and linkages that move in unexpected ways. This demo-focused class will cover a variety of ways to form links and fabricate chains that are fused rather than soldered. Paulette will provide a Powerpoint presentation and cover chain design, fusion, fabrication, and finishing. Techniques demonstrated include rivet link chains, mill flattened links, floating links and more.  Join us for simple engineering and fusion fun!

Meet the instructor

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Paulette Werger is a metalsmith and teacher who works in Lebanon, NH. She sells her work both nationally and internationally and is owner of Metalpeople East, a jewelry and hollow ware studio. She has taught metalsmithing at the University of WI, Montana State University, and at craft schools throughout the country.

 

Materials & Tools

The following supplies will be used for course demonstrations and objectives. A suggested item and/or vendor has been provided below for reference. Click the vendor name to be redirected to a page where you can view the item. The quantities needed for each item are listed first. If ordering, please be aware that some items may come in larger quantities than needed for this class. We recommend not opening an item's packaging until the day of the workshop. Student participation during or in-between class sessions is not required - observers are welcome. 

**Note from Instructor regarding suggested Materials: 12” minimum is good to make a sample of each of 3 -4 chain styles. If a student wants a bracelet length or necklace length, more is needed (usually 5-6 feet, depending upon design and gauge thickness of metal). 

 

Metal/raw materials: 

  • 12" min. x Argentium® round wire - 12g dead soft (Rio Grande) 

  • 12" min. x Argentium® round wire - 14g dead soft (Rio Grande) 

  • 12" min. x Argentium® round wire - 16g dead soft (Rio Grande) 

  • 12" min. x Argentium® round wire - 20g dead soft (Rio Grande) 

  • 6" wire or 1" sheet x Argentium® solder - medium (Rio Grande) 

     

Torch setup: 

  • 1 x fireproof area - steel sheet, tiles, etc. (Amazon or Home Depot) 

  • 2 x Solderite™ pad (Rio Grande) 

  • 1 x compressed charcoal block (Rio Grande) 

  • 1 x torch - Smith mini, Silversmith, or butane (Rio Grande or Rio Grande) 

  • 1 x #0 or #1 torch tip - if getting Silversmith (Rio Grande) 

  • 1 x striker or lighter - Silversmith system has one (Rio Grande) 

  • 1 x soldering tweezers (Rio Grande) 

  • 1 x soldering pick (Rio Grande) 

  • 1 x Ronda's Purple flux (Rio Grande) 

  • 1 x copper tongs - for pickle (Rio Grande) 

  • 1 x pickle - sodium bisulfate or citric acid (Rio Grande or Amazon) 

  • 1 x crock pot or lidded glass container (Rio Grande or Amazon) 

  • 1 x tempered glass container or sink - for quenching and rinsing 

  • 1 x small brush - for flux 

 

Hand tools: 

Forming tools: 

  • 1 x rawhide / plastic mallet (Rio Grande) 

  • 1 x planishing hammer (Rio Grande) 

  • 1 x cross peen hammer (such as Rio Grande or Rio Grande) 

  • 1 x bracelet mandrel (Rio Grande) 

  • 1 x ball peen hammer - 8oz (any hardware store or Amazon) 

  • 1 x steel block / steel surface (Rio Grande) 

  • 5/8" and 3/4" wooden dowels - a few inches is plenty 

     

Other/miscellaneous items:  

  • hard work surface 

  • fan and open window - or ventilation system 

  • safety glasses  

  • pencil, Sharpie, notebook 

  • rags/towels 

Virtual Course
Tuition
$115.00
Instructor
Paulette Werger
Level
Basic and above
Pre-requisites
Jewelry 1 skills required
Location
Virtual - Eastern Time Zone
Length
  • 1 day
Schedule
  • March 19, 2025
    Wednesday
    11:00am – 2:00pm
Class Dates
  • March 19, 2025
 

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